Showing Commitment

You have to constantly make that assessment because it’s not just about one individual, it’s about the team and what you need"

Kenny Jackett

Kenny Jackett is hopeful Wolves fans will judge Jamie O’Hara on his performances if the midfielder is able to force his way back into the team.

The Head Coach has taken many factors into consideration before deciding to offer the midfielder a fresh chance, including his reaction to the four months spent out of the first team picture and his attitude and performances in training and Under-21 games.

Jackett was well aware that his decision will prompt divided opinion, but believes O’Hara has the chance to prove himself again if he continues with the same level of application as in recent months.

“You can’t please all of the people all of the time,” says Jackett.

“But the fans view is important and something we look at.

“Personally I think that the fans will judge him on what he does when he plays.

“If he does come in and does well I think the fans will respond to any player positively in those circumstances.

“If he doesn’t that is the same for all of us and it is very much the case now.

“He has not been in my plans up to now but on Saturday he was.

“You have to constantly make that assessment because it’s not just about one individual, it’s about the team and what you need.

“If you feel you want to play three in midfield and you lose one of those and there is an experienced player on your books who could come and help you win at Bradford perhaps you need to do that.

“It has been a situation where I’ve felt he wasn’t in my plans and he didn’t get the move that we all thought he would get.

“From his own point of view it has been a humbling experience and he is looking forward now to getting his head down and doing what he does best which is playing good football.

“I can only speak about what he has done for the Under-21s which is do very well and show a good commitment to that team.

“He obviously has to bring the same attitude to us now and if he does – and I think he will – he will be an asset to us football-wise in what is a vital season for the club.”

O’Hara was an unused substitute on Saturday as Wolves continued their excellent start to the season with a 2-1 win at Bradford.

Missing one of the season’s most consistent performers in right back Matt Doherty, Richard Stearman came in and scored the winner before himself going off with a foot injury.

That handed Ethan Ebanks-Landell a first league outing for Wolves, and he responded by helping the defence stand firm in the closing stages to claim the points.

“Richard has a foot injury,” said Jackett.

“He has been a very good part of an excellent defensive unit in two positions.

“We hope it’s not a situation when he’s going to be out for too long.

“It was a good test for Ethan and I thought he grew into his role.

“I thought he looked a little bit nervous at first which we understand but he did grow into it.

“And I think with the right experience he has a very good future ahead of him.”

Wolves conceded in the first half for the first time this season – at the 16th attempt – but hit back for the win and continue to boast a hugely impressive defensive record.

For Jackett, it’s about continuing to maintain those standards heading into the next fixture, Saturday’s home game with Stevenage (3pm).

“We’re on a good run but there’s a good pace at the top of the league and Orient won again on Saturday,” he said.

“Our points total and our performances and our heart have been good but we think we can still improve and there is a lot more to come from us.